Biden unveiling public database for clinical data on cancer

Associated Press

Published
6:04 am CDT, Monday, June 6, 2016

In this photo taken May 9, 2016, Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Washington. Biden is unveiling a public database for clinical data on cancer that aims to help researchers and doctors better tailor new treatments to individuals. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) less

In this photo taken May 9, 2016, Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Washington. Biden is unveiling a public database for clinical data on cancer that aims to help researchers and doctors better tailor new ... more

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta

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In this photo taken May 9, 2016, Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Washington. Biden is unveiling a public database for clinical data on cancer that aims to help researchers and doctors better tailor new treatments to individuals. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) less

In this photo taken May 9, 2016, Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Washington. Biden is unveiling a public database for clinical data on cancer that aims to help researchers and doctors better tailor new ... more

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta

Biden unveiling public database for clinical data on cancer

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden is unveiling a public database for clinical data on cancer that aims to help researchers and doctors better tailor new treatments to individuals.

The White House says Biden will announce the Genomic Data Commons during a visit on Monday to the University of Chicago. The database is housed within the National Cancer Institute and starts with genomic and clinical data for 12,000 patients.

The system is designed to increase sharing of information about the gene sequences of tumors and how patients with those tumors responded to specific treatments. The White House says it's easily searchable and includes protections for privacy and security.

Biden says data sharing is critical for speeding up the development of treatments that can save lives.